Sharing historical memories between Morocco and Vietnam.

The seminar on the historical relationship between Morocco and Vietnam serves as a forum for renowned professors, historians, and Vietnamese experts to discuss the lessons learned from the shared historical memories between Morocco and Vietnam.

In his opening remarks at the workshop, Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU Hanoi), emphasized that the workshop would serve as a foundation for further developing bilateral relations between Morocco and Vietnam, strengthening scientific cooperation in research programs in social sciences and humanities, and promoting cultural and academic cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Azzeddine Farhane of Morocco to Vietnam emphasized: Although geographically distant, the two countries are closely connected historically – both bravely fighting for independence and freedom. Let us look back at our historical memories, consider the current conditions, and together find a common action plan to promote the development of cooperation in various fields in the future.

In his presentation at the conference, Dr. El Mostafa El Ktiri - Chairman of the High Commissioner for Resistance and former member of the Moroccan Liberation Army - stated: “The historical relationship between Morocco and Vietnam began with the Indochina War in the late 1940s and started in the 1950s, when the French protectorate in Morocco gathered thousands of Moroccan youths under the banner of the French expeditionary army.

After years of fighting in Vietnam, a significant number of Moroccan soldiers in the French expeditionary army recognized the just cause and voluntarily defected to the Viet Minh.

Throughout the ups and downs of history, each of us has the responsibility to engrave historical and cultural memories to educate and propagate to future generations the ideals and humanistic values, the spirit of solidarity and fraternity, so that the two nations can draw closer together and understand each other more deeply, creating conditions for the development of bilateral cooperation in all fields.”

After presenting a summary of the historical connections and prospects for cooperation between the two countries, Professor Nguyen Van Kim – University of Social Sciences and Humanities – emphasized: The similarities in many aspects between the two countries are fundamental advantages that lay the foundation and promote sustainable cooperation and development in all fields.

Meanwhile, Abdellah Saaf, Director of the Moroccan Institute for Social Research, commented: "The enduring and profound historical relationship between the two countries provides momentum for bilateral cooperation. This visit to Vietnam and today's conference is a good opportunity to build an effective and successful cooperative relationship between Mohammed V University and Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and to promote cooperation in many other economic, political, and cultural fields."

Mr. Vu Hong Nam, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, emphasized that the presentations at the conference further clarified the history and historical relationship between the two countries, while also seeking ways for the two countries to continue to connect and develop together in a spirit of empathy, support, and sharing for each other's benefit in the international arena.

Following the conference, the participants will visit the "Morocco Gate" in Tan Linh, Ba Vi (Hanoi) - a landmark with Moroccan architecture built between 1956 and 1960 by Moroccan soldiers who left the French army to join the Viet Minh during the Indochina War, reflecting the solidarity and humanitarian spirit between Morocco and Vietnam.